The Best Skin Care Tips

If you want to minimize the pore size on your face, the easy answer is to exfoliate. There are several methods of exfoliation that will work to both clean out your pores and reduce the number of dry skin cells that hold onto the edges of the pores, which makes the openings appear larger.

Why Some Pores Are Large

According to skincare expert Renee Rouleau's blog, pore size is determined when you're a teenager and is based on how oily your skin is. Those with oily skin all over will have larger pores, those with oily T-zones will have larger pores in that area, and those with dry skin won't have very large pores at all. As time goes on and the skin loses its elasticity and tightness, however, pore size may seem to increase. Thank gravity for that.

The skin isn't pulled back as tightly anymore, so the indentations in the skin become more obvious. The pore size can then be exacerbated by dry skin holding onto the pores or dirty pores in general. The key to minimizing pore size on the face, then, is to exfoliate regularly and keep the pores oil-and-dirt-free.
Methods That Minimize Pore Size on the FaceMicrodermabrasion: According to SkinAbrasion.net, microdermabrasion will remove the outer layer of skin and, with the help of suction, help clear away the blackheads that cause the appearance of enlarged pores. This is one of the more expensive methods for decreasing the appearance of large pores and often involves making an appointment with a professional.

Microdermabrasion has also been shown to improve collagen production and fight large pores from an anti-aging standpoint.Cold water: This is a temporary fix, but if you have a special date or event and want tightened pores for a few hours, rinsing your face with very cold water is a solution. It doesn't take days or weeks of use to see an improvement and you don't have to order anything online and wait for it to be shipped to your home before you can put it to use.Home facial scrubs: Make sure you get a facial scrub with round beads in order to avoid tiny tears in your skin. You may also use a damp washcloth with your regular facial cleanser. This will remove the dry skin that collects around the edges of the pores and makes them look deeper than they are.

CosmeticsCop.com reports that this method of exfoliation isn't as effective as others because you only have access to the very top layer of skin when you use a scrub or a washcloth.AHA: This is a type of chemical exfoliant that works well for dry or sun-damaged skin, and it is available in more than one strength. AHAs are used to dissolve dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and supply some moisture, though they don't replace a normal moisturizer. An example of an AHA, or alpha-hydroxy acid, is glycolic acid.BHA: According to CosmeticsCop.com, BHA is ideal for those with oily, acne-prone, or very sensitive skin that turns red easily (as with rosacea). It cleans the pores from the inside out and works through the oil that's clogging the pores, which makes them appear smaller.Choosing the Right Method

None of the methods will actually shrink the size of your pores. However, they will minimize their appearance and give the illusion of smaller pores. It's impossible to actually decrease their diameter. The right choice for your needs will depend on your budget, time constraints for appointments or the skin care regimens that involve AHAs and BHAs, and other skin issues you may have, such a rosacea, oiliness, or sun damage. Be sure to only try one new product per week so that you won't overload your skin. If you do have a reaction, you'll know which one to eliminate from your routine. With patience and effort, your skin will reap the rewards and look clearer and feel softer.

Roseola Rash appears in children, mostly between three months to four years old, that have a fever-triggered virus. Roseola has a slow incubation period and may not be immediately noticeable. In fact, the rash may appear up to one week after the fever has dissipated.

Identifying the Rash

Roseola Rash develops after a prolonged high fever that can reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The rash is temporary and will slowly fade as the child’s fever drops. It will look pink at first, but darkens over time. The most common place to see this symptom is across the child’s torso, followed by the arms, the legs and the neck. The rash may also appear on the face. Besides skin discoloration, small sores will appear in the rash, and temporary halos will appear around the sores if they are pressed. It doesn’t itch, but the rash can make the child more irritable.

Accompanying Symptoms of Roseola Rush

Besides the obvious changes in the skin, you can expect to see a few of these accompanying symptoms:
Swollen lymph nodes: Expect swollen lymph nodes on the back of the child’s head and neck. These may swell noticeably, or they may not be visible at all.Runny nose: Due to the high fever, an infant’s nose my produce a clear discharge. A runny nose is a mechanism the body uses to modify its internal temperature.Coughing: Roseola may cause coughing or hacking.Earaches: Pain in the ears and other sinus pain often accompany the rash.Diarrhea: High temperature may trigger diarrhea. This is concerning for caregivers, because children can dehydrate after a short time.Vomiting: Also a side effect of the high fever, vomiting is a common symptom.

The most dangerous symptom of this disease is the high fever. Extremely high fevers may make little ones lethargic and sleepy. Call your child's pediatrician if this occurs, or take your infant to the emergency room. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

More About Roseola

Other names for roseola are Exanthema subitum and Sixth disease. According to the Center for Disease Control, the looks much like the measles rash. Some extreme complications can occur with this common childhood disease, including Aseptic meningitis and encephalitis. The most common complication is febrile seizures, or convulsions triggered by the high fever. There is no specific treatment plan for roseola; most doctors focus on keeping the temperature down and keeping the child hydrated. Sixth disease is contagious, but only during the first few days of infection. Once the rash appears, it is likely that the child is no longer infected. Pediatricians often release a child back to school once the fever breaks.

Your Child and Roseola

No one wants to see their child sick, especially with a high fever or noticeable rash. The best way to care for your child's is to curb the fever with acetominophen or ibuprofen. It is not recommended that you give aspirin to children who have a virus, as this can cause Reye syndrome (a rare condition that may cause damage to the brain and liver). A lightly cool or lukewarm cloth on the skin will provide comfort, but don't shock your child with anything icy cold. Avoid putting alcohol on the rash. Instead, use soft cotton clothing and keep the room temperature cool. Clear sodas that have gone flat are good drinks for kids withe roseola. Focus on healing with a combination of patience, a gentle touch and the right treatment.

The sounds worse than it actually is in most cases. It's the rash sometimes associated with strep throat and can usually be easily treated with antibiotics. Not everyone who gets strep throat gets scarlet fever, but they are caused by the same bacteria and share symptoms.

What the Looks Like

As the name suggests, the is extremely red and has the appearance of a severe sunburn. In addition, it may be accompanied by small, itchy bumps or red stripes in creases (elbows, underarms, etc). The texture is like fine sandpaper. It may show up on the neck, cheeks, nose, and forehead first, before working its way down to the rest of the body. The area around the mouth typically is unaffected. Don't be alarmed if the skin that had the rash begins to peel after the rash is gone. The rash usually goes away by the sixth day, but peeling may continue.

Symptoms that Accompany the Rash

Scarlet fever is most commonly seen in children between two and ten years of age and is caused by the same bacteria, Streptococcus, that causes strep throat and impetigo. It is rarely seen in children over 10 or in adults. According to Kids Health, other symptoms that may show up along with the rash include:
Red, sore throatA fever of more than 101 degrees FahrenheitSwollen neck glandsTonsils and may have a white or red appearanceChillsNauseaBody achesNo appetiteCoating on the tongue that appears to be whitish or yellowishScarlet Fever and Strep Throat

Not all cases of strep throat are accompanied by scarlet fever. There are two reasons for this:
The individual may not be sensitive to the toxin the bacteria associated with strep creates.Not all of the bacteria that cause strep make the toxin that causes the rash.
If your child has the symptoms of scarlet fever and/or strep throat, don't wait for it to go away on its own. See a doctor for a diagnosis and antibiotics that can be used to treat the infection. A simple throat culture using a cotton swab will confirm the diagnosis.

Is It Contagious?

Scarlet fever, along with strep, is contageious. It can be transmitted from person to person by coughing, sneezing, and direct contact. Once a person has come into contact with the infection, the symptoms will normally appear in one to three days.

Treating Scarlet Fever

Once you've taken your child to the pediatrician, give him the prescribed medication (usually penicillin or erythromycin) and be sure to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use lozenges to relieve the throat pain. Medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen can be used to treat the fever and pain, according to eMedicine Health. Be sure that you don't prematurely discontinue the course of antibiotics your doctor prescribed, even if you feel better.

If You Suspect Your Child Has Scarlet Fever

If your child has the telltale skin redness, red lines, tongue or throat coating, and pain, chances are he has scarlet fever. Take him to the doctor for a quick test to confirm the diagnosis and combine the medication from the doctor with plenty of rest and fluids. He should bounce back within about seven days, though the peeling skin could continue after that.

Acne is a problem that affects many people, but fortunately there are a variety of products and methods available to help. Whether you're looking for a home remedy or an over-the-counter product to help keep breakouts under control or you are looking for a way to minimize the appearance of acne scars, there are many options available to you.

Home

For many people with mild acne, or those who suffer from periodic breakouts or blemishes, home remedies for acne can be very effective. Everyday products such as lemon juice, mint, and cinnamon can be applied to blemishes to help diminish and dry them. Aloe vera and cloves of garlic may be able to help blemishes; the composition of these plants promotes healing.
Other home treatments include dabbing toothpaste on blemishes overnight or applying witch hazel over the affected area(s). As with any treatment, the results of home solutions vary. If your acne doesn't improve with home treatment, you may want to try a stronger natural or over-the-counter product.

Natural Products

If you prefer natural skin care, you may want to try one of the many products available today that are based on natural substances or a natural method of treating your acne.

Tea Tree Oil

One popular is derived from tea tree oil. Found in both a concentrated form as well as in many acne facial washes and other products, tea tree oil promotes healing and has natural antiseptic properties that have proven effective for a variety of individuals.

Buying Natural Acne Remedies

Many skin care lines market and distribute natural acne remedies, including the following:
ArbonneBurt's BeesZenMedDesert EssenceTreating Acne Through Diet
Although the claims that foods such as pizza and chocolate cause acne have been deemed as myths in recent times, most skin care experts agree that a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, and lean protein sources is beneficial to those with acne-prone skin. Drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water per day is also recommended to help flush impurities from your body; this may have a direct effect on acne as well.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

For people with moderate acne, over-the-counter can often clear their skin. Drug store acne remedies are sold in creams, gels, sticks, washes, masks, and other forms, but typically contain one or more of the following ingredients:

Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is considered a very effective acne agent. It is an antiseptic agent that has a drying effect, which is beneficial for getting rid of blemishes, but may not work for those with sensitive skin. Over-the-counter concentrations are typically found in 10 percent strength or less.Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid unclogs pores and breaks down the cycle of bacterial growth that causes pimples.Sulfur: Sulfur is used in acne masks, spot treatments, and other products to heal and prevent acne without over-drying the skin.Medical Treatments
For acne that is severe or persistent, and certain conditions such as cystic acne, medical treatments may fare better than over-the-counter products. Physicians can prescribe benzoyl peroxide in higher concentrations, which may provide the effectiveness some acne sufferers need.
Other medical includes antibiotic creams or pills, tretinoin (brand name Retin-A), and isotretinoin (brand name, Accutane). Be sure to discuss the side effects of any with your doctor first. Accutane in particular has a severe side effect -- it has the potential to cause birth defects if a woman becomes pregnant while on the medication.

Acne Scar Treatment

Acne scar treatment is available to those who are plagued from unsightly marks from past breakouts. The treatment you need will depend on the severity of scarring. For light scars, simply applying a concealer or using a non-comedogenic over-the counter scar treatment may be all you need.
Other options for scarring include:
Chemical peelsLaser or light therapyDermabrasion or microdermabrasionCollagen injectionsSurgery (for deep scars)Find the Right Product for You
Since not everyone has the same skincare needs, it may take some time to find the product that best suits your needs. You may need to try several options before finding the ideal treatment. If you have a serious acne problem, it may be best to consult your dermatologist before you begin experimenting with different treatments.